This page contains geological data that cautions one when using certain types of crystals/minerals. While most in the metaphysical/spiritual community only speak of the higher purpose properties, common sense must be taken into consideration when using these on a physical level. This page is a cautionary measure on stones that may be harmful in certain situations or specific types of minerals (raw versus tumbled, Fibrous versus crystallized or mass) , whether it be in Elixirs or prolonged holding, bathing, touching to skin, etc.

It is not meant to perpetuate fear or anxiety, but instead to educate and share our deep respect for the crystal and mineral kingdom. Most on the list are geared toward internal use with a few being cautionary for external use. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you wash your hands after using any crystal/mineral. It keeps our mineral friends clean and is a great way to show respect to ourselves and our crystal/mineral family.

Pay particular attention to the list when you are working with raw/natural specimens. I do not think tumbled (coated) stones, for the most part, would be harmful, with a few exceptions, such as Realgar.

NOTE: Before making any elixir or charging any water, it is a good idea to double check for any possible toxicity that may occur, if using several stones in combination, for elemental reactions between the stones. In fact, it would be best if each stone charges in its own container of water as opposed to putting four or five stones in the same container.

*If you have any doubt (or are new to crystals and their chemical composition), simply place the crystal/stone around and outside of the container. You will still get the same results.*

Crystal

Caution

Actinolite

Fibrous form is a type of asbestos. Not recommended for elixirs.

Adamite

Contains Arsenic (Arsenate) and trace amounts of copper which is toxic.

Ajoite

Contains Aluminum, Copper.

Alexandrite

Contains Aluminum.

Amazonite

Trace amounts of Copper which is toxic.

Amblygonite

Contains Aluminum.

Andaluscite

Contains Aluminum.

Atacamite

Contains poisonous/toxic copper.

Auricalcite

Contains Zinc and Copper which is toxic.

Aventurine

Contains Aluminum.

Axinite

Contains Aluminum, Iron.

Azurite

Contains Copper, Toxic.

Bastnaesite

The chemical makeup of Bastnaesite does contain toxic elements which can react when combined with water.

Beryl Group (Aquamarine, Goshenite, Heliodor, Morganite)

Contains Aluminum.

Brazilianite

Contains Aluminum not recommended to use in its raw form.

Bronchantite

Copper Hydrated Sulphate, Toxic.

Boji Stones (Kansas Pop Rocks, aka Concretin)

Contains Sulfur, Pyrite and/or Marcasite which is toxic (*also could be a fire hazard).

Chalcopyrite AKA Peacock Ore

Contains copper and sulfur which can be toxic.

Chrysoberyl

Contains Aluminum.

Chrysocolla

Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.

Cinnabar

Contains mercury which can be poisonous/toxic Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding.

Conichalcite

Contains poisonous/toxic copper.

Copper

Contains poisonous/toxic copper.

Crocoite

Contains poisonous/toxic levels of Chromium. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Do not ingest.

Cuprite

Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding.

Dalmatian Jasper

Contains Aluminum.

Dioptase

Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.

Dumortierite

Contains Aluminum.

Emerald

Contains Aluminum.

Epidote

Contains Aluminum.

Feldspar Group (Labradorite, Moonstone, Orthoclase, etc)

Contains Aluminum.

Galena

Contains high amounts of lead which can be poisonous.

Garnet (Spessartine, Uvarovite, Rhodolite,Hessonite)

Contains Aluminum.

Gem Silica

Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.

Halite

Unfit for elixir use will dissolve in water.

Hematite

Unfit for elixir use will rust with prolonged exposure in liquid.

Hiddenite (Spodumene)

Contains Aluminum.

Idocrase

Contains Aluminum.

Iolite

Contains Aluminum.

Jadeite

Contains Aluminum and Iron.

Kyanite

Contains Aluminum.

Labradorite

Contains Aluminum.

Lapis Lazuli

Contains Sulfur and possible Pyrite inclusions which are poisonous.

Lazulite

Contains Aluminum.

Lazurite

Contains Aluminum, Sulfur.

Lepidolite

Contains Aluminum.

Magnetite

Iron will rust, DO NOT use in elixirs or charging water.

Malachite

Contains poisonous/toxic copper.

Marcasite

Exposure to oxygen, may form a white powdery substance/residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid. If this occurs you should not wear next to the skin or touch. Not recommended for Elixirs.

Mica

Contains Aluminum.

Moonstone

Contains Aluminum.

Morganite

Contains Aluminum.

Muscovite

Contains Aluminum.

Orpiment

HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.

Pargasite

contains Aluminum so it is not recommended for elixirs or immersing in water to charge it.

Pietersite

Similar to Tiger's Eye. Fibrous form contains asbestos. Not recommended to use raw forms for elixirs.

Prehnite

Contains Aluminum.

Psilomelane

Contains poisonous/toxic Barium.

Pyrite

Pyrite may contain intermixed Marcasite. The Marcasite with time and exposure to oxygen, may form a white powdery substance/residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid.) If this occurs you should not wear next to the skin or touch. Not recommended for Elixirs.

Quantum stone/Quantum Quattro Silica

Contains poisonous/toxic copper.

Realgar

HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.

Ruby

Contains Aluminum.

Sapphire

Contains Aluminum.

Scapolite

Contains Aluminum.

Schorl

Contains Aluminum.

Selenite

Unfit for internal ingestion tiny shards may break off in water.

Serpentine

Fibrous forms are asbestos. Wash hands after use. Not recommended in elixir preparation.

Smithsonite

Contains zinc and may contain copper (green Smithsonite) Safe for handling but may be Poisonous/toxic when used in elixirs.

Sodalite

Contains Aluminum.

Spinel

Contains Aluminum.

Spodumene

Contains Aluminum.

Staurolite

Contains Aluminum and Iron.

Stibnite

Contains lead and antimony. Not recommended for elixirs.

Stilbite

Contains Aluminum.

Sugilite

Contains Aluminum.

Sulfur

Contains poisonous Sulfur.

Sunstone

Contains Aluminum.

Tanzanite (Gem variety of Zoisite.)

Contains Aluminum.

Tiger Eye

Fibrous form contains asbestos. Not recommended to use raw forms for elixirs.

Topaz

Contains Aluminum.

Torbenite

Radioactive.

Tourmaline

Contains Aluminum.

Tremolite

Fibrous forms are asbestos. Not recommended for Elixirs. Wash hands after use.

Turquoise

Contains poisonous/toxic copper and Aluminum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.

Ulexite

Contains toxic Boron.

Unakite

Contains Aluminum and may also contain Zirconium (Radioactive).

Vanadinite

Contains poisonous Vanadium.

Variscite

Contains Aluminum.

Vesuvianite

Contains Aluminum.

Wavellite

Contains Aluminum.

Wulfenite

Contains poisonous Lead & Molybdenum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.

Zircon

Contains Zirconium, Radioactive.

Zoisite

Contains Aluminum.

*Original List provided with permission by Liz Gunther and Peggy Jentoff .
*Additions/corrections have been made by Kristi Huggins, Author/Expert Contributor and Steve Garza.